Women’s Forum Shows the Power of Gender Diversity

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As New York real estate becomes an increasingly diverse workforce – talented women continue to play a crucial role in all facets of our industry’s growth and success.

We are reminded every day of the powerful impact of women throughout New York City – both in real estate and in the public sector – but particularly so this week as we approach Real Estate Weekly’s annual Women’s Forum on June 14th co-sponsored by CREW New York and EisnerAmper. I have encouraged all of my colleagues to attend the forum because it is a prime opportunity to hear directly from the women who are literally shaping the future of urban planning and development in our city.

Deputy Mayor Alicia Glen will give the keynote remarks at this year’s Women’s Forum. In her role as a leading member of the de Blasio administration, Deputy Mayor Glen has created an environment in which women are empowered to advance and succeed across the board. We have felt her presence throughout the industry, as we see greater contracting with minority and women-owned businesses, new opportunities for young women entering real estate, and more women entering C-suite positions.

Deputy Mayor Glen is someone who truly understands the crucial role played by events such as the Women’s Forum – and that is because she knows the value of organizing and strategizing for success. Her keen insight also dates back to her experience in leadership roles at Goldman Sachs, where she helped to bring on a team of talented women.

The three panel discussions at this year’s forum exemplify that same spirit, focusing on the role of women in neighborhood development, changing strategies for investment, and new political atmospheres on issues like infrastructure and housing. Panelists include prominent REBNY members such as Raizy Haas, Senior Vice President of Development at Extell Development Company; Marcella Fasulo, Senior Managing Director, Capital Markets at Cushman & Wakefield; and Heidi Learner, Chief Economist at Savills Studley; as well as New York City Housing Authority Chair and Chief Executive Officer Shola Olatoye.

It is vital to remember that when these women – and all women – lead and succeed, all New Yorkers are better off and our city grows stronger. At the same time, those who unfairly criticize the real estate industry or others working to make New York a better place, do us all a disservice because they disregard the women at the forefront of these important efforts.

I hope all of my colleagues and friends will take some extra time this week to recognize the leadership demonstrated by women in their workplace. I am proud that REBNY remains committed to expanding gender diversity – and all forms of diversity – throughout our industry.

In other REBNY news:

On Friday, June 16th from 9:15 to 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis College in Brooklyn, Catherine Witherwax of Stribling & Associates will lead a free-for-members event about pricing in today’s Brooklyn market at our Brooklyn Inside Secrets of Top Brokers and Industry Leaders Seminar, “How to Know the Price is Right”. Experts Louis Belisario of Fillmore Real Estate, Beth Kenkel of The Corcoran Group, William S. Ross of Halstead Property Development Marketing, and Steve Sallion of Warren Lewis Sotheby’s International Realty will discuss the ins and outs of the borough’s residential market, how to find and analyze appropriate comps, and how to determine the right price to create value-add marketing collateral to sell exclusives.

Our free-for-members Residential Brokerage Breakfast Club Seminar, “Relationships to Revenue,” on Tuesday, June 20th from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m., will be moderated by Renee Fishman of Halstead Property and feature panelists Craig Meachen of Highline Residential, Mindy Diane Feldman of Halstead Property, and Brian Phillips of Douglas Elliman Real Estate.

Due to inclement weather, the 2017 REBNY Golf & Tennis Outing has been rescheduled to Monday, July 31st at the North Shore Country Club in Glen Head, New York. Visit rebny.com to register. If you have questions, or you are interested in sponsorship opportunities, email Cindy Ramotar at [email protected]